Jasper Jones

Based on the beloved Australian novel of the same name, Jasper Jones is a coming-of-age tale infused with the social tensions of the late 1960s. Set in the bucolic western Australia countryside (gloriously captured by cinematographer Mark Wareham), the story follows bookish young Charlie Bucktin (Levi Miller), who is roused from bed one night by the town outcast, Jasper (Aaron L. McGrath), setting up an adventure that threatens to expose the town's many secrets and alter the lives of its people, including Charlie and Jasper's own families. Toni Collette, as Charlie's mom, Ruth, is exceptionally compelling. An investigation into the disappearance of a young girl throws suspicion everywhere. The film has been compared with To Kill a Mockingbird, and director Perkins has dedicated her career to documenting aboriginal stories. Here, she uses themes of race and inclusion to great effect.—Dave Nuttycombe

Thursday's screening will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Embassy of Australia

Co-presented with the Embassy of Australia

WORLD VIEW

Jasper Jones

Based on the beloved Australian novel of the same name, Jasper Jones is a coming-of-age tale infused with the social tensions of the late 1960s. Set in the bucolic western Australia countryside (gloriously captured by cinematographer Mark Wareham), the story follows bookish young Charlie Bucktin (Levi Miller), who is roused from bed one night by the town outcast, Jasper (Aaron L. McGrath), setting up an adventure that threatens to expose the town's many secrets and alter the lives of its people, including Charlie and Jasper's own families. Toni Collette, as Charlie's mom, Ruth, is exceptionally compelling. An investigation into the disappearance of a young girl throws suspicion everywhere. The film has been compared with To Kill a Mockingbird, and director Perkins has dedicated her career to documenting aboriginal stories. Here, she uses themes of race and inclusion to great effect.—Dave Nuttycombe

Thursday's screening will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Embassy of Australia